Will County PZC Approves Rezoning for Truck Repair Facility on Manhattan Road Amid Resident Concerns

Article Summary:

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to rezone nearly 14 acres in Joliet Township for a truck repair facility. The approval came after a neighboring resident voiced strong objections about potential noise, air pollution, and negative impacts on his family’s quality of life and health.

Manhattan Road Rezoning Key Points:

• The commission approved a map amendment rezoning three parcels totaling 13.85 acres from A-1 (Agricultural), A-2 (Agricultural), and R-3 (Single-Family Residential) to I-1 (Industrial).

• The applicant, Manhattan Land LLC, plans to demolish an existing home and build a 12-bay truck repair facility with 44 truck and trailer parking spaces on the property at 918 Manhattan Road.

• Resident Horatio Garcia, whose property adjoins the site, opposed the project, citing concerns about noise and diesel exhaust, which he feared would affect his daughter’s asthma.

• The commission’s approval aligned with a staff recommendation that noted the area’s established trend toward industrial and commercial development along Manhattan Road.

JOLIET, IL — A plan to build a new truck repair facility on Manhattan Road cleared a key hurdle Tuesday, as the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission narrowly approved rezoning the 13.85-acre site for industrial use over the objections of a neighboring homeowner.

The commission voted 4-2 to approve the map amendment from a mix of agricultural and residential zoning to I-1 industrial. The applicant, represented by attorney Nathaniel Washburn of KGG LLC, plans to build a facility with 12 service bays and parking for 44 trucks and trailers. The project will service the applicant’s own fleet but may also lease space to other repair services.

The proposal was met with strong opposition from Horatio Garcia, who lives at 1000 Manhattan Road and spoke on behalf of several neighbors. Garcia, a commercial truck driver himself, raised concerns about noise, pollution, and traffic.

“The noise can disrupt the peace and the quiet of the neighbors. I myself drive a commercial vehicle and I am aware that they are a big disturbance,” Garcia said. He expressed particular concern about air quality, stating, “The air pollution due to the diesel exhaust…can negatively impact air quality, potentially leading to respiratory and other health problems for nearby residents. This challenge personally affects my family due to my daughter having asthma.”

Washburn addressed the concerns, clarifying that the business would operate during typical business hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, and would not be a 24-hour facility. He stated all repair work would take place indoors, and that the business does not deal with refrigerated “reefer” trailers, which have noisy, continuously running cooling units.

“We’re not seeking a special use for a truck terminal,” Washburn said, differentiating the proposed use from more intensive facilities nearby. He also noted that screening, such as a landscaped berm, would be required to shield the property from residential views.

Land Use Department staffer Kelli Kruczynski recommended approval, noting the trend of development in the area. Her report stated the proposed zoning change aligns with the Will County Land Resource Management Plan, which supports industrial uses near arterial roads like Manhattan Road, and is compatible with the nearby Elwood-Joliet freight cluster.

Commissioners engaged with both sides, questioning the applicant on the number of parking spaces and assuring the resident that county ordinances would regulate noise and outdoor operations. Commissioner Roger Bettenhausen pressed Garcia on whether a visual buffer would be preferable. “Would you rather have a burm so you can’t see the facility that’s there or would you rather be able to see the setting sun…coming over the parking lot?” Garcia replied, “I would rather see the burm.”

The motion to approve passed 4-2. Chairman Houston and Commissioners John Kiefner, Roger Bettenhausen, and Leis Navarette voted in favor, while Commissioners Kimberly Mitchell and Karen Warrick voted against. The recommendation now goes to a Will County Board committee before a final vote by the full board.